Last of ISIS forces cornered in Syria, coalition’s final assault underway

The Islamic State’s (ISIS) reign of terror is about to end. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily comprised of Kurdish forces, have cornered the last remnants of the terrorist organization in a small enclave. Baghouz, which is situated close to the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, is the last remnant of territory under the ISIS flag. Coalition forces had halted their advance in order to allow civilians—most of whom are family members of ISIS fighters—to exit the besieged enclave, thus minimizing collateral damage once the attack had begun.

“We will launch an attack to end the Daesh (IS) presence or they will turn themselves in. There are no other options for them. We confirm there are no negotiations and no intention to have negotiations,” said Mustafa Bali, the SDF’s spokesperson.

During the previous weeks, SDF forces and coalition’s special operations units have been steadily eating away at ISIS’ last footholds. It has been a slow and bloody fight. In January, for instance, two Special Air Service (SAS) troopers were seriously injured while supporting SDF urban-clearing operations. A subsequent raid by the SAS inflicted heavy losses on ISIS.